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Generators and modifiers

As an example, a layer's position in the composition is defined by a two-dimensional parameter containing two values, embedded in this parameter.

Each parameter also has two slots allowing you to add a generator and some modifiers:

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  • The purpose of a Generator is to generate an element that will replace theses values.
  • Modifiers optionally change these values after the generator has replaced them. Please refer to this section to learn more.

Generator slot

The generator slot can contain either a grayed-out plug icon if there is no generator or if the existing generator slot is currently connected. In any case, clicking it will display the Quad menu, described in this section. Be aware that adding a new generator will completely replace the existing one, if any.

Autograph has a "garbage collector" system that removes items that are not used from its memory. If a generator is linked or shared to two parameters, disconnecting it from one of them will not make it disappear, because it is still in use. If, on the other hand, you disconnect this generator from the second parameter, then it will be completely destroyed and unrecoverable. Keep this in mind when disconnecting or unsharing.

See more in these sections about generators, linking, and sharing.

Modifiers slot

By clicking on the scientific flask, you can add one or more modifiers, which will alter the content of the parameter.

A window with a search bar on top will allow you to add a new modifier to the existing ones, if any. Unlike generators, it is possible to add several modifiers through a modifiers group.

No modifiers will be deleted when new ones are added.

See more about Modifiers in this section.

A question of type and dimensions

When adding a generator or modifiers, the list that will be displayed will only contain those that are compatible with the targeted parameter:

  • Some of them are specifically made for images, numerical values, text, tables, curves/shapes, 3D shapes, etc…
  • Numerical generators can sometimes only generate a single float when you want float2 for example. In this case, you have to check how to manage dimensions.